After visiting a hotel in my client’s city, I assembled this package to mail to them. But before I sealed the manila envelope, you get to peek inside.
You, too, can use this technique to secure auction items for your charity. It works especially well if you’re trying to fill a silent auction.
pattie platt says
August 25, 2014 at 7:21 PMHi this is pattie platt with Faulkner county spca in arkansas.I am trying to get some big ticket items donated for our live auction during our over 21 fundraiser woofstock oct 18th.I was trying to get like a ipad ,camera .laptop or a trip .Iam having very little luck could you please give me some ideas
Sherry Truhlar says
August 25, 2014 at 8:01 PMPatty, you are not alone! Each year there are groups seeking out what they like to call ‘big ticket items’ for their auction. I had so many people asking for help on this that two years ago I created a 3 week program teaching my complete process to securing big ticket items. It’s called Big Ticket Procurement Secrets. I encourage you to sign up for information on the next class at http://www.BigTicketProcurementSecrets.com
As for what you might be able to do right now? I hate to point this out — though you probably already know it — but reaching out six weeks in advance of your event makes it difficult to secure anything, much less items that are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. National companies (Best Buy .. hhGregg) often require 3 months advance notice to process requests.
Your best bet now is to target local stores selling those items. Perhaps trade a sponsorship for a donation, if it’s critical to have the item. Or even approach someone (a Board member or fan of your cause) and ask them to underwrite the cost of the item. Another option? Use a travel cosignor (This is for trips … not electronics. But it’s certainly ‘big ticket.’) Learn more about that in this free program: https://www.redappleauctions.com/free-resources/benefit-auction-consignment-items/
Good luck!